Letters to the editor
HPER yoga a good time
A friend recently showed me an article in your Feb. 2 edition that sang the praises of yoga. I must say that I was very happy to see such an article in your paper, as sharing yoga’s benefits is my primary goal as a HPER yoga teacher. I consider any outlet that helps to spread accurate information about yoga to be an ally in this endeavor. All the information provided in the article pertaining to yoga is correct. I would, however, like to bring your attention to what I see as a slight error in what the article implies about classes at the HPER. I do agree with Mrs. Fournet that gym yoga, or fitness yoga, can be injurious if it is practiced with the same aggressive attitude as aerobics and the instructor is not sensitive to the capabilities of his or her students. I agree that the environment can have a big impact on the experience of the students during the class. While I do not pretend to have the experience Mrs. Fournet has, I am an experienced yoga instructor and do feel that my yoga classes at the HPER are not “gym yoga.”
I am not an aerobics instructor or a personal trainer. I am a yoga teacher. I have been practicing for 6 years and teaching for 4, and I teach a well-rounded class that incorporates chanting, pranayama, asanas, relaxation and guided meditation. I do not pretend to compete with the AYC, however, for students looking for a solid yoga class for all levels that is included in access to the HPER, I would like to extend an invitation to drop by. I cannot provide the specific levels or beautiful setting that the AYC does, but I make the most of the studio I teach in and I never hold class in a studio next to one of those ultra loud super-hyper aerobics classes. I try to work with all ability levels simultaneously, and feel that my classes are relatively challenging and appropriate for all who come.
Todd Verrone
HPER yoga instructor
